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Northampton will look to appoint a short-term fire-fighter, and hope to have a new director of rugby for next season.

But Biggar, set to earn in the region of £650,000 a year at Northampton, cannot wait to join the struggling Premiership club.

'I spoke to Dan on Tuesday and he is incredibly excited,' said Northampton CEO Mark Darbon.

'He was here on Saturday, he saw a disappointing performance from us in a venue that wasn't full.

'He is itching to get here and get on with it.'

Mallinder was dismissed by Saints on Tuesday after a run of nine defeats in 10 matches

SAINTS STRUGGLING

LAST 10

W/L: 1/9

Points scored: 219

Points conceded: 313

Darbon refused to rule out an approach for former Bath coach Mike Ford, who takes charge of American club Dallas Griffins in the New Year and performed a rescue job at Toulon last season, or ex-All Blacks guru Wayne Smith - Saints boss in the early 2000s.

'Wayne is held in massive affection among the supporters of this club and the people involved in an operational level,' he added.

'We'll be linked with Sam Allardyce next, given the amount of speculation that' s out there.'

Jim's son Harry has also pledged his allegiance after the departure of his father.

The 21-year-old back, taken on June's England tour to Argentina but not capped, is signed up until 2020 and spoke with the CEO on Tuesday.

'As you'd expect, it is a unique situation for him,' said Darbon.

'He always realised at some point in his professional career he would be playing without his father as his director of rugby or coach.

'Harry is really looking forward to the future.'

Saints CEO Mark Darbon claims the Wales and Lions back is 'itching' to get started